What Does a Real-Time Captioner Do?
Real-time captioners write every spoken word on a stenotype machine as it is said, while software turns their keystrokes into on-screen text for deaf and hard of hearing viewers. They caption classes, court hearings, meetings and live events, in person or remotely. The service is known as CART, short for communication access realtime translation.
Also known as: CART Reporter
Real-Time Captioner Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a real-time captioner include:
- Write spoken words on a stenotype machine in real time during classes, meetings and events.
- Build and update a personal dictionary of names, terms and phrases before each assignment.
- Connect to remote sessions through Zoom, Teams or streaming platforms and display captions to viewers.
- Prepare for technical courses by reviewing slides, readings and syllabi for specialist vocabulary.
- Edit rough transcripts after sessions and deliver clean files to students or clients on deadline.
- Identify speakers and note sounds such as laughter or applause so viewers can follow along.
- Set up laptops, steno machines and caption displays, then test connections before the session starts.
- Keep transcripts confidential and store files according to privacy rules and client agreements.
- Coordinate with disability services staff about schedules, room changes and student accommodations.
- Practice regularly to maintain speed and accuracy, and complete continuing education for certification.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a real-time captioner, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Stenotype writing at captioning speed
- Computer-aided transcription software such as Case CATalyst or Eclipse
- NCRA Certified Realtime Captioner credential
- Excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Research skills for technical vocabulary
- Concentration through long sessions
- Remote captioning platforms and streaming tools
- Discretion with confidential material
Education and Training
Court reporting and captioning programs at community colleges and technical schools teach the stenotype skills, with long hours of practice to build speed. Employers often require certification, such as the Certified Realtime Captioner credential from the National Court Reporters Association. Many states also license court reporters, and some of them move into live captioning later.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $53,760 - $100,780 per year, with a median of $72,420.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners.
BLS projects employment of court reporters and simultaneous captioners to stay essentially flat, changing by less than 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 1,800 openings a year. Demand often is tied to court budgets and accessibility rules, but captioners always will be needed as more classes, meetings and events move online. Automatic captions now handle some routine events, which makes certified accuracy worth more.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Court reporters and simultaneous captioners.